California Authorities Probe Horse Carcass Dumpings

California law enforcement authorities hope the public can help them identify who is illegally dumping horse carcasses in rural San Joaquin County.

San Joaquin County Sheriff's Sgt. Les Garcia said that under current law, the owner of any animal who knowingly allows the animal's carcass to be placed within 100 feet of a road or highway is guilty of a misdemeanor. Since November 2012, five horses' remains have been transported to San Joaquin County and illegally dumped in rural areas, he said. The latest case involves the carcass of a horse that was transported and illegally dumped in Stockton, Calif., Garcia said.

Garcia said that Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone connected to the case. Anyone with information about the illegal animal disposals should call the San Joaquin Sheriff's Office Rural Crimes Unit at 209/468-4425 or 209/468-4798. Tipsters can also call South County Crime Stoppers at 209/823-4636. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous.